Elaine Dorothy Hitchler Biel

Elaine Dorothy (Rieck) Hitchler-Biel was born on October 17, 1933, to Alfred and Irma (Neidhardt) Rieck near Primrose, NE, in rural Boone County. She attended her first four years of grade school at the Red School House, District 52, in rural Boone County. Elaine’s father, Alfred Rieck, also received his education at District 52. When Elaine was in the 4th Grade, her folks purchased a farm in western Boone County and she attended the rest of her grade school years at District 63-87 – a school joined between Boone and Greeley counties. She attended Spalding Public High School and graduated in 1951. She received her normal training to become a teacher and taught at several rural schools in Boone County. She taught at District 53 from 1951 to 1954; District 7 from 1954 to 1955 and District 14 from 1955 to 1956. On May 22, 1956, Elaine was united in marriage to Donald F. Hitchler. They moved to Omaha after they were married, where Don worked at Wilson Packing House in Omaha. Elaine worked for Mutual of Omaha Insurance for one year. Don and Elaine then moved to several different farms north of Waterloo. When Don started working for J. C. Robinson Seed Co. in Waterloo, they moved in to Waterloo. Don and Elaine had four children; Kenneth, Daniel, Clifford and Shirley. When the children were all in school, Elaine worked part time for eight years at the drug store and grocery store in Waterloo. When Dick’s Hillrise Market opened in Elkhorn, NE, in January 1980, Elaine started working full time. Don passed away from cancer at the age of 57 on June 9, 1984. Elaine married Irvin Biel on March 16, 1985. Irvin and Elaine made their home in Elkhorn, NE. Irvin passed away on April 5, 2001. Elaine worked full time until 2005. She then worked at McKinney Grocery Store in Gretna and HyVee in Omaha part time until she finally decided to retire. In August of 2019, Elaine moved to Brookstone Meadows in Elkhorn, NE. In September 2021, she moved to the Saunders Medical Center in Wahoo, NE. Elaine passed away on November 6, 2022, at the age of 89. Elaine was active in PTA while her children were in school. She also taught Sunday school at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn. She belonged to Women’s Circle and ladies aid. She joined Extension Club in 1960 and stayed active for many years. She was also a member of the Waterloo Woman’s Club from 1966 to 2004. Elaine took great pride in being involved in the Bethany Lutheran Church Quilters Group. She was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Elkhorn. Elaine was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church on November 26, 1933, in Albion, NE. She was confirmed at Zion on May 25, 1947. Don and Elaine were also married at Zion Lutheran on May 22, 1956. Elaine’s great grandparents – Yeager – helped start Zion Lutheran Church in Albion. Don and Elaine attended Pilgrim Lutheran in Omaha while they lived in Omaha. Elaine and Don joined Bethany Lutheran Church of Elkhorn in 1960 and she was a member there until her death. Elaine had a very strong faith. Her Confirmation Bible Verse was Revelations 3 Verse 11 – Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Elaine enjoyed getting together with friends and loved playing cards. Elaine loved to travel and had beautiful memories of all her trips. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Elaine is survived by her children Ken Hitcher of Waterloo, Dan (Deb) Hitchler of North Bend, Cliff (Tracy) Hitchler of Elkhorn. and Shirley (Bill) Berger of Spalding. Her step children Richard Biel, Barbara Molck, Beverly Ayala and Rollin Biel. Her grandchildren Donald (Trish) Hitchler of Omaha, Jessica Hitchler of North Bend, Tyler (Breanna) Hitchler of Omaha, Brittanie (Jeff) Faltys of Elkhorn, Melissa (Tyler) Kaps of Ord, Brianna (Tyler) Sherlock of Alliance, Danielle (Tim) Pieper of Elkhorn, Olivia (Erik) Christensen of Omaha, Eric (Eleanor) Berger of Spalding, Todd Berger of Spalding, and Mardee Berger of Spalding. Her great grandchildren Toby Bush, Silas Hitchler, Marlys Hitchler, Braylie Faltys, Ellis Hitchler, Ben Christensen, Hollis Hitchler, Levi Sherlock, Kinsley Faltys, and Knox Berger. Elaine was proceeded in death by her husband Don, husband Irvin, her parents, Alfred and Irma Rieck, her sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Gay Primrose, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert (Velma and Iva) Hitchler, Eve (Roy) Albright, Salome (Dale) Albright, Carl (Betty) Hitchler, and Valentine Peter Hitchler.

Elaine Dorothy Hitchler Biel

October 17, 1933 - November 6, 2022